Is There a Connection Between Dry Shampoo and Hair Loss?

Dry shampoo is nothing new, but in recent years it has become increasingly popular throughout the world as a waterless way to freshen and fluff your hair between showers. For women who don't have the time to wash and style their hair everyday, dry shampoo offers a simple solution to their hair care needs.

What is Dry Shampoo?

Dry shampoos typically come in a powder or spray form and contain an absorbent, and an abrasive, that work together to make your hair look and feel clean. Aerosol dry shampoo also contains a propellant such as butane, isobutane, propane, or alcohol, which help to ensure that the other ingredients are applied evenly and thoroughly throughout the hair.

The propellant helps the abrasive ingredients to loosen dirt and grime while the remaining ingredients help to absorb oil and dirt, leaving your hair looking and smelling fresh and clean. Dry shampoo does not actually remove the oil and dirt but only smothers it, and frequent use can cause a buildup of the product. These impurities need to be removed by washing your hair to maintain a healthy scalp and hair follicles. Daily use of dry shampoo can clog hair follicles and cause damage to the scalp and hair. Dry shampoo absorbs the natural oils that your scalp and hair need to remain healthy.

Are Dry Shampoos Safe?

As the popularity of these alcohol- or starch-based dry shampoo products has increased, concerns have surfaced about the safety of these products. While convenient, the build up of these products can lead to hair breakage, clogged hair follicles, and even hair loss.

While the oil-absorbing ingredients may help to keep your hair looking fresh and clean, not all of them are natural, safe ingredients. Many products contain talc or aluminum starch octenyl succinate, which both have possible links to various health issues. These ingredients may not cause damage to the hair or scalp, but many health-conscious consumers avoid them in their daily beauty routines for general health reasons. Not all dry shampoos contain these ingredients. Many use natural rice starches instead, so it is critical to read the ingredient labels on any product you use.

The main issue with dry shampoo is that your hair isn't any cleaner. Your hair looks oily after going unwashed for a day or two because of glands in the scalp that produce a waxy oil. Dry shampoo absorbs this oil, but even after brushing out the shampoo, some of the product remains on the hair and scalp. After several uses, these powder particles begin to build up on the hair and scalp.

Left in this condition, the accumulation of product may lead to scaly patches, red skin, and dandruff. Dry shampoo buildup also traps bacteria on the scalp, which may cause the hair follicle to become inflamed, causing pimples or cysts to form. Eventually, these pimples or cysts dry out and form scabs which may disrupt the hair follicle and lead to hair loss.

Can Dry Shampoo Cause Hair Loss?

There isn't any current research that directly links dry shampoo use to hair loss, but there is evidence that poor scalp health can cause hair loss. Hair that emerges from a follicle that has been damaged by a bacterial or fungal infection isn't firmly anchored inside the follicle, making it more likely to fall out. Heavy use of dry shampoo can clog hair follicles, disrupting the balance necessary for a healthy scalp. Additionally, the abrasives used in dry shampoos can weaken the hair shaft leading to breakage.

At Mane Image, we understand hair loss and have treatment options to help you. Mane Image offers non-surgical permanent hair restorations, such as the CNC custom 3D printed prosthesis. We also offer custom hair extensions, toppers, and wigs, designed by skilled professionals, that are available to give you the look you desire.

To learn more about caring for your hair, how to prevent hair loss, and available treatments and solutions, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.